Week Two: Thankful For:

71. a most perfect day
72. morning walk with companionship thrown in
73. greetings on return home by family enjoying this perfect day on bank of pond
74. lab puppy chasing & retrieving ball in water
75. gathering sticks for possible bonfire
76. celebrating the blessing of an auburn three year old
77. visit with dear friend who has known me since birth
78. laughing about tales of my parents
79. reading bedtime books to the too-fast growing boy
80. blessing of proximity
81. little eye lashes that flutter to remain open but quickly give way
82. peaceful sleep
83. perfect day, yes again!
84. the Lord's day - what a great one
85. enjoying praising with His people
86. laughter does the heart good & certain dance video is medicine for the soul
87. discovering audio on Bible gateway
88. finally understanding who the "stronger man" is
89. corn tortillas with green sauce over steak shared with friends over an unexpected lunch
90. family heading to pond as the sun sinks behind trees
91. that little one waving - always waving
92. having a plan for supper and preparing early
93. day filled with purpose
94. living the promise!
95. love of books

Feb.
96. comfort in the return to normal, ordinary life
97. at home day to recharge, regroup
98. pleasure of time to clean house and enjoy that cleanness
99. the whir of dishwasher after evening meal
100. afternoon with too-fast growing boy
101. the joy of him excitedly waiting on doorsteps for me
102. perfect technique cracking eggs
103. earnest brow while stirring brownies
104. playing with the tools in the storage room because I was a little cool outside
105. loving being with him
106. him playing in mud puddles at pond's edge
107. loving that dog that brings them out most evenings
108. baby-boy wanting to ride then "drive" Juju's car
109. those full body waves
110. books to share
111. requested spaghetti sauce cooked all afternoon
112. being able to stay inside this gray day

Week One : Thankful For.......

1. new book with the most beautiful book cover, comforting, welcoming.... now joining in the Gratitude Community

2. morning sun streaming into bedroom window

3. multitude of diamonds sparking on the pond

4. mattress that draws you in and invites you to stay

5. heater that prepares the morning air to receive bare feet

6. time to wait, just wait

7. sounds of morning footsteps overhead

8. laughing boys in the cool winter morning air

9. three year old running with his dog on this cool morning

10. walking /talking with son-in-law in this same cool air

11. daughters off to brunch together

12. enthusiastically waving baby , always welcoming

13. smoked ribs with the maiden making of homemade sauce

14. s'mors - marshmallows toasted in the fireplace, chocolate dripping from the grahams ... enjoying a first for some and the smiles that reach to the soul

15. heavy frost that covers everything with a glittering heavy winter blanket

16. car heater that melts away the crystals that cling to the windshield

17. riding in the quiet early morning cold but warmed down to the toes

18. waiter confirming two orders of chicken goodness left just for these two

19. little cousins , playing, sharing, discovering

20. unexpected pleasure of crusty pizza dripping with cheese

21. baby's open mouth kisses that cover the entire cheek

24. waves that say goodbye as easily as hello and welcome

25. peaceful Sunday

26. baby hands reaching for cheerios

27. a very little one who asks for, " books,books" and little hands folded in anticipation

28. squeals of delight over farm babies on board books

29. heartfelt note from someone who was thought unreached by an offer of help

30. unnecessary but much appreciated note of thanks from friends

31. long held misunderstanding of who God is finally brought to light so understanding can occur

32. relief!

33. night and day of slow winter rain soaking dehydrated earth

34. beautiful but eerie ride home in the dense evening fog

35. new recipe that offers satisfying comfort

36. hours to discuss The Word without fear of disagreement but perhaps adjustment

37. successful budget meeting complete in comfortable time period

38. enjoying wearing a once forgotten green rain coat

39. visiting friends about down town (January must be almost over)

40. dinner prepared ahead of time

41. visiting with a pleasant new creation of God's

42. crawling out from under a post holiday funk

43. kind friend who leaves such a legacy of humble servant

44. friend who's left behind but has children in town

45. joy of older friend watching little one explore

46. joy of little one watching friend's miniature dog

47. sharing encouraging words with old friend and those words being received

48. ANTICIPATING TOMORROW!

49. audience of one in the back seat that asks in appreciation for "your joke" - that isn't a joke but a ditty

50. Cancun chicken surpassed only by the company

51. times to share hearts

52. how great is the Father's love! (for the grieving)

53. stimulating conversation

54. making descriptive "poems" with the back seat on the way to school

55. a brisk walk in winter's late afternoon

56. brave woman saying to goodbye to husband

57. learning to enjoy left overs, maybe appreciate

58. old hymns played on keyboard

59. job completed for the month

60. familiar faces

61. comfortable conversation

62. sauteed veggies combined with daughter's sesame noddles for simple satisfying supper

63. easy companionship enjoying novelty of now infrequent TV show

64. frozen bananas and strawberries pulsed into a smooth dessert

65. good night phone call

66. encouraging email

67. distant light "rock skipping" across the pond at night

68. one last meal at an old favorite location

69. rejoicing with longtime friend over God's faithfulness and blessings

70. pleasant morning void of activities and pleasant afternoon and evening filled with activities